Brussels, 4 March 2026 – The Interregional Group on Health and Well-being (IRGHW) of the European Committee of the Regions officially launched its 2026 activities with a constitutive meeting bringing together regional representatives, policymakers and health stakeholders to define priorities for the year ahead.
Opening the session, Chair Birgitta Sacrédeus welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of the meeting as a starting point for shaping the group’s work program. She underlined the key role of the IRGHW as a platform for cooperation and exchange, enabling regions to contribute actively to EU health policy debates.
Setting the scene: IRGHW as a platform for cooperation and policy dialogue
During the introductory session, Marco Di Donato (EUREGHA) presented the working methods of the Interregional Group, emphasizing its role as an informal yet strategic platform within the Committee of the Regions.
The IRGHW facilitates dialogue between regional authorities, EU institutions and stakeholders, while supporting the development of CoR opinions and strengthening regional input into European health policymaking. The group is expected to meet four to five times in 2026, including thematic sessions and discussions involving external experts.
Defining priorities: mental health, cardiovascular health and beyond
The core of the meeting focused on identifying thematic priorities for the 2026 work plan. Several key areas emerged from the discussion, including:
- Mental health
- Cardiovascular health
- Women health
- Digital health and the European Health Data Space
- The role of culture and arts in health
- Links with the future EU Multiannual Financial Framework
Looking ahead: a structured agenda for 2026
In her closing remarks, Chair Sacrédeus welcomed the strong engagement from participants and highlighted the clear convergence around key priorities such as mental health, cardiovascular health, and prevention.
She reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration between regions and EU institutions, positioning the IRGHW as a key forum for exchange, policy dialogue, and advocacy.
IRGHW Meeting
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